Three Teasdale Poems by Eriks Esenvalds was commissioned by Paul Rardin and the Temple University Concert Choir in 2014.
Swans (Sara Teasdale)
Night is over the park, and a few brave stars
Look on the lights that link it with chains of gold,
The lake bears up their reflection in broken bars
That seem too heavy for tremulous water to hold.
We watch the swans that sleep in a shadowy place,
And now and again one wakes and uplifts its head;
How still you are--your gaze is on my face--
We watch the swans and never a word is said.